Destination of Excellence, Brands and Labels

The Destination d’Excellence brand is a governmentlabel created in 2024 to recognise tourism professionals committedto quality,sustainability and inclusiveness. It is gradually replacing the ” Qualité Tourisme ” label and applies to the entire tourism offering: accommodation, catering, leisure, transport, tourist offices, etc. This label is based on two fundamental pillars: the quality of the welcome and services, and the eco-responsibility of the practices implemented.

Gîtes de France is a network founded in 1955 that certifies tourist accommodation in private homes throughout France and Europe. It was born of a desire to revitalise the countryside by offering city-dwellers authenticstays in rural gîtes, bed and breakfasts or themed accommodation. The brand is based on an“épis” classification system, guaranteeing a level of comfort and quality in line with a rigorous national charter.

The Green Key is an internationalsustainable tourism label that certifies tourist accommodation and restaurants committed to a responsible environmental approach. Created in Denmark in 1994, it is now present in over 80 countries and is based on strict criteria relating to the management of water, energy and waste, as well as raising customer awareness. In France, the label is promoted by the Teragir association and is a benchmark for establishments wishing to reconcile quality of welcome with respect for the environment.

Famille Plus is a national label created in 2007 and recognised by the French Ministry of Tourism. It is aimed at tourist resorts that are committed to offering a family-friendlywelcome and services. It is based on collaboration between three associations: ANETT, ANMSM and the Fédération Française des Stations Vertes. This label guarantees families quality services in the areas of accommodation, activities, catering, safety and prices, according to a demanding and regularly audited reference system.

The Accueil Vélo label is a national label supported by FranceVéloTourisme, which guarantees cyclists a high-quality welcome in establishments located less than 5 km from a signposted cycle route . It brings together a range of service providers (accommodation, restaurants, hire and repair outlets, tourist offices and leisure sites) committed to offering services tailored to the needs of cycling tourists. The label is based on a precise set of quality standards, making it easy for cyclists to identifysafe, comfortable and well-equippedplaces along their route.

The Route des Métiers is a regionalnetwork set up in 1987 in the Livradois-ForezRegionalNaturePark, bringing together craftspeople, producers, museums and châteaux to promote local skills. Its aim is to promote cultural and craft-basedtourism by highlighting traditional and contemporary trades, which are often little-known, through visits and human encounters. The network is based on a quality charter guaranteeing a warm welcome, authentic products and the commitment of participating organisations.

The Sur les pas de Gaspard network brings together educational, cultural and tourist facilities in the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park in Auvergne. It offers children, families and schoolchildrenfun and educationalactivities based on nature, heritage and local know-how. The aim is to encourage active discovery of the region through breaks, discovery classes and activities supervised by professionals.

À pas de Lynx is an associationofmountainguidesbased in the Livradois-ForezRegionalNaturePark in the Auvergne. It brings together a group of passionate professionals who offer themedhikes and breaks, in summer and winter, for all types of public (schoolchildren, families, groups). Their mission is to promote a respectful, immersive and sensorydiscovery of local nature, between forests, peat bogs and volcanic landscapes.